Brasenia schreberi – Water shield

Water shield can be found in shallow lakes, ponds, and rivers.

It can be identified by oval leaves with a reddish stem attaching to the middle of the leaf. All underwater parts of the plant are coated with jelly-slime. Purple flowers emerge from the water on a stalk from summer-fall.

 

Young leaves are edible raw but are best cooked due to risk of parasites. It is often consumed in soups in Asia.

Water shield is a successful native that can take over shallow ponds due to its ability to secrete chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants and algae.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.